[YOUTH] The USA scored three first-half goals -- one from former U.S. U-17 standout Sheanon Williams and two from the University of Michigan's Peri Marosevic -- to beat Mexico, 3-0, in an under-20 friendly played in the border town of Laredo, Texas.

Local star Felix Garcia helped set up Marosevic's goal, and Brandon Manzonelli, who was making his first appearance with the U-20s after signing with the New England Revolution from Spanish club Villarreal, had assists on the other two goals, both scored off corner kicks.

The match featured seven yellow cards and three red cards -- Manzonelli and Mexico's Moises Velazco were sent off in the 66th minute. By the 72nd minute, Mexico was reduced to nine players when Daniel Montes was also ejected.

The game drew a sold-out crowd of 4,000.

"Games like this are the best way to evaluate players," said U.S. coach Thomas Rongen. "I thought we took our chances well and that's important. Another very positive thing for us is that we really didn't give Mexico any good looks at the goal. I'm very happy with the way we played defensively and maybe we could be a little better with the ball, but we want to continue to well on set pieces. That was obviously one of our strengths tonight."